Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the filing of criminal charges against a construction firm manager over the unauthorized demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex (RASAC) covered court in Sta. Cruz, Manila, a facility that had served as a Covid-19 isolation site and evacuation center during calamities.
Charges will be filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Jelsie Construction and Supply, Inc. general manager Jesse R. Mahusay for three violations: special cases of malicious mischief under Article 328 of the Revised Penal Code, unlawful demolition and construction without the necessary permits under the National Building Code of the Philippines, and unauthorized taking of a government facility in violation of Republic Act No. 10344 (The Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act).
An initial verification with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) North Manila District Engineering Office showed that the demolition was connected to a P145.5-million project titled “Multi-Purpose Building, Sentro Komunidad de Santa Cruz, Manila (Phase 1),” awarded to Jelsie Construction through a Notice of Award dated May 22, 2025.
A contract agreement was signed on May 23, followed by a notice to proceed on May 26.
According to the City Accountant’s Office, the demolished property had a net book value of P10.4 million as of 2025.
Records from the government’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” portal also showed that Jelsie Construction and Supply, Inc. has cornered more than P1.43 billion worth of flood control projects in Manila, making it the city’s second-largest flood control contractor with projects spanning all six districts.
Domagoso said the demolition and ongoing construction of a new multi-purpose building at the RASAC site were never submitted to the City Government of Manila for the necessary permits or clearances.
The mayor stressed that Jelsie Construction had no authority from the city government to destroy or replace the facility.
“I am instituting this criminal complaint as the local chief executive of the country’s capital city,” Domagoso said.
“This is not only about protecting property but protecting the welfare of our citizens. We cannot allow private contractors to demolish and build at will without the authority of the city, especially on facilities critical to disaster preparedness and public service,” the Mayor said.
Built in 1910 and redeveloped in 1995 under Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, the RASAC complex served as a sports and community hub.
It housed a City Hall satellite office, police outpost, Public Recreations Bureau field office, daycare center, and performance stage.
During the pandemic, it functioned as an isolation facility and, more recently, as an evacuation center during typhoons and fires.
The mayor recounted that he was alerted to the demolition by residents during his district rounds on August 21.
When he arrived at the site, the covered court and adjoining facilities had already been torn down. Certifications from City Hall offices confirmed there were no records of demolition, building, zoning, or tax payment permits under Jelsie Construction’s name.
Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management’s Local Government and Regional Operations Group confirmed that the DPWH project remains classified as “For Later Release” as of August 22, meaning it has yet to receive final approval from the Office of the President. (Diann Calucin)
